the hook

THE HOOK

Catch the moment before
Jekyll turns to Hyde.
Before the tipsy clown
Becomes the brutal drunk.
Try to read the signs,
The flicker of an eye
The quiver of a lip.
Beware the tapping toe
Waiting for you to trip.
Walk away before
The next smack in the face
For smiling at a stranger.
Remember the last time
He bathed your bruises,
Gave the excuses.
His penitent head, resting
All night in your lap.
Plan your escape,
Then swallow the map.
It is harder than you think.
Invisible hooks are
Embedded in your skin,
At any time he can snag
And pull you in.
Do not leave it too late,
Before the closing of the door,
The click of the lock.



Jacqueline Pemberton